Booker T. Washington National Monument

Booker T. Washington National Monument. . "...my whole life has largely been one of surprises. I believe that any man's life will be filled with constant, unexpected encouragements of this kind if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day of his life, that is, tries to make each day reach as nearly as possible the highwater mark of pure, unselfish, useful living.", This national monument commemorates the place where the great African-American leader Booker T. Washington was born and freed. , Because Washington was born and freed here, and by the monumental achievements of his life, this mid-19th century Virginia plantation has been transformed into a place of national significance., (captions) , Living history volunteers interpret the daily lives of the people, both free and enslaved, who lived on this plantation during the era of slavery., From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Washington was one of the most famous African-American leaders, authors, and educators in the country., Booker T. Washington led Alabama's Tuskegee Institute from 1882 until his death in 1815., building the school into one of the most significant African-American institutions for higher learning. This image is of the campus in 1916., (inset image) Advertisements. , J. M. Wilson , having removed to , the corner of Esplanade and Moreau Sts. , New Orleans, , Will keep on hand and he constantly receiving during the season, , large supplies of Maryland , and , Virginia Negroes; , consisting of , Field Hands, House Servants, Cooks, Seamstresses, , Washers and Ironers, Mechanics, &c, , all of which will be sold , low for cash, , or, on time, for good city acceptance. , Planters and purchasers , generally are respectfully invited , to call and examine before purchasing elsewhere..